Daijiworld Media Network - USA

USA, Nov 1: Two airmen stationed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming have pleaded guilty to making false statements regarding the fatal shooting of a fellow airman, which led to a temporary suspension of Sig Sauer M18 pistol use at U.S. nuclear weapons sites, the Air Force confirmed.

The suspension, imposed by the Air Force Global Strike Command following the death of 21-year-old Airman Brayden Lovan in late July, was lifted in late August after an investigation found the M18 pistol safe for use.

Lovan, serving with the 90th Security Forces Squadron under the 90th Missile Wing, was fatally shot when fellow airman Marcus White-Allen allegedly pointed a gun at his chest “in a joking manner.” According to the Air Force’s statement, White-Allen then urged two other airmen to conceal the truth about the incident.

White-Allen was later arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and making false statements but was found dead on the base on October 8. Authorities have not disclosed details surrounding his death, stating the investigation is ongoing.

Airmen Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez admitted this week to lying in official statements about the incident. Badesha received 30 days of confinement and a forfeiture of $1,545, while Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days of confinement, 15 days of restriction to base, and forfeiture of $500. Both were administratively demoted.

According to reports, both airmen heard the gunshot and found Lovan on the ground, but initially followed White-Allen’s instructions to fabricate the story — claiming the weapon went off accidentally.

The incident initially led investigators to suspect an accidental discharge, prompting the temporary suspension of the M18 pistol. Other branches of the U.S. military, however, continued its use.

The M18, produced by New Hampshire-based Sig Sauer, has faced multiple lawsuits alleging it can fire without the trigger being pulled — claims the company denies, maintaining that the firearm is safe and attributing incidents to user error.